The Opposite House: A Novel — page 149: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

144 Lhe Opposite House. will that you should die, it will send to your heart the bullet destined, not for the criminal, but the defender of Germany. France has declared war. serve your native land,and if the wrath of God de- mands your life, at least yield it on the field of honor.” “Marie,” said Traugott, softly pressing her hand to his lips, “‘ may Heaven bless you for these words ! You have restored me the hope, the consolation of at least dying an honorable death, and if I offer my breast to the enemy’s artillery, there will surely be a compassionate bullet which will grant a guiltless grave to the perjured—” Tears were streaming down Marie’s cheeks, as she leaned her head on his breast and bade him fare- well. It was a sorrowful betrothal, and a still sad- der parting. She clasped her lover’s hands in benediction, but Traugott pressed his lips on her pure brow, and bade her an eternal farewell. Meanwhile, tumultuous excitement pervaded the halls of the Kurhaus—the dispatch, which brought the news of the declaration of war by France asa terrible fact, was being reac aloud. COMME OOKS2CO